Special needs teacher pulled nonverbal child’s finger back toward wrist to gain compliance, police say

PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) - Police in South Carolina said an elementary school teacher was arrested last week after two students were assaulted.

According to arrest records, Brandee R. Lewis was observed using non-crisis prevention intervention techniques on nonverbal special needs students to gain control during classroom activities at Forest Acres Elementary on Aug. 6.

Officials with the Easley Police Department said Lewis stood behind one of the students and pulled the child’s finger back toward the wrist, inflicting pain on the victim to gain compliance.

Lewis also grabbed the top of another student’s head and forced it toward the classwork on the child’s desk to gain compliance and compel the child to pay attention, officials said.

Lewis was arrested last Thursday and charged with two counts of third-degree assault and battery.

The School District of Pickens County said Lewis was placed on leave on Aug. 8, but no details on the allegations were released.

The district notified the Easley Police Department and began its own review into the situation.

The school district said it cannot discuss ongoing or pending legal matters, and that the safety and security of its students is its highest priority.

Lewis’ teaching certificate says she is certified in the field of special education.